Day 162

08/09/12 - Little Swift River Pond Campsite - 1,959 miles

Let's just say today was emotional.  Started off with total hiker hangover... slept in even though we needed to do big miles again.  Super slow getting out of camp.  Super discouraged.  As we hiked the next few miles I went up and down with my attitude, but mainly I kept thinking about how tired I was and how far I had to go.  Not good.  Ate lunch with thunder in the distance.  Super discouraged again.  Not really knowing how I was going to be able to finish this day, let alone our thru-hike.  Then, as we were starting a climb, we met Kinder.  A SOBO section hiker from GA.  We small talked for a minute and she seemed really nice – an old kindergarten teacher.  We smiled and said goodbye.  Then, at the last minute, she turned over her shoulder and said, "And... don't lost heart."  Tears welled up in my eyes.  For some reason, that was exactly what I needed to hear.  Because today, for the first time, I really had started to lose heart.  Thoughts were entering my mind about quitting for the first time.  I was at an all time low on the Trail.  "And don't lose heart," was all she said.  Well, after I finished sobbing in front of Anna, I was reignited and charged up that mountain.  I thank God for sending someone like Kinder our way to say those simple words of encouragement.  She may not have thought anything of it, but it got me through today.  We hiked on in happy spirits and came to Moxie Pond then Long Pond.  We finally went swimming for the first time on the AT!  It was gorgeous.  It was fun.  It was absolutely what we needed.  We finished our day hiking 4 miles in a wet thunderstorm, but I think we are in good spirits.  Tomorrow we hit up Rangely for one of our last town stays.  Amazing.  Dont.  Lose.  Heart.

***

You can check out my original blog post about this day here.   It really is crazy how much someone's words can affect you.

First swim on the AT

Kinder

"And... don't lose heart," she said as she walked away.

My eyes immediately began to tear up as I told her, "I really appreciate you saying that."

We walked North and she walked South.

She was a retired kindergarten teacher from Georgia doing a section hike in Maine. We didn't converse long as we passed each other on the Trail. The weather. Trail names. Where we're from. Small talk.

She asked how the hike was going, and I told her, "Great." But if I was being honest with that question I would have told her how I was at an all time low.

I did not know how I was going to get through this day let alone this thru-hike.

KitFox took over my pathetic answer and opened up a bit.

"You know, it's been really difficult lately. I think we're starting to hit a point where we're ready for it to be over. It's been great and rewarding, but it's hard."

"Yeah," I agreed completely.

The former kindergarten teacher gave some last words of encouragement, and we trudged on. For a moment I recalled my own kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Keenan. I remember her being sweet, just as this lady was.

And that's when I heard her voice come again from behind us.

"And... Don't. Lose. Heart."

The words came out distinct and precise.

She smiled, turned back around, and continued walking.

I'm not exaggerating (though maybe I'm a little ashamed)... I cried for the next ten minutes.

For some reason, those words in that moment, were exactly what I needed to hear. Those four simple little words spoken at the last possible moment in a random human interaction. It might be that she will never know the impact that had on me or this hike.

But I am thankful for her and that moment and for Anna and for everyone else who continues to encourage us along the way. Not just on the AT but in life.

The day began as an ultimate low point for me on the Trail, and with a last-minute word, it became one of my favorite days.

With renewed vigor (after the crying, of course) we charged up the next mountain and made good time the rest of the day despite difficult terrain.

We came to a lake a few hours before sunset. A beautiful, picturesque, MAINE lake with clear cool water and surrounding evergreen trees.

Next thing I know, Anna is wading in and I'm sprinting in!

It was surreal.

To be so blissful and joyful splashing around in the refreshing water.

What a change.

"And... don't lose heart," she said.